“Safe Roads, Safe Lives: Drive Responsibly, Arrive Safely!”

Hyderabad: A road safety awareness session organized by Young Indians (YI), the youth wing of CII, in association with Ghulam Ahmed College of Education, took place today. The session, aimed at educating future educators on the importance of road safety, was attended by distinguished guests, including Mr. Rahul Hegde IPS, DCP Traffic, and Mr. Khaleeq ur Raheman, who delivered a compelling address on road safety.
Mr. Khaleeq ur Raheman shared the heart-wrenching story behind the initiative, Youth Against Speed, which was born from a personal tragedy—the loss of his 16-year-old son, Ajmal, and his 19-year-old nephew, Ayaz, in a road accident. This tragedy fueled his mission to raise awareness about responsible driving and the urgent need for road safety. “The untimely demise of my loved ones was a wake-up call. Every day, lives are lost due to speeding, reckless driving, and lack of awareness. It is crucial that we educate not just drivers but also pedestrians and passengers on the importance of safety on our roads,” he stated.
Rahul Hegde IPS emphasized the role of law enforcement and public cooperation in ensuring safer roads. He explained that effective enforcement of traffic regulations, alongside public awareness, is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.
Reinforcing the session’s significance, Poornima Saraf, Chair of YI Road Safety, and Smt. Vibha Asthana, Director of Ghulam Ahmed College of Education, addressed the attendees. Smt. Vibha Asthana warmly welcomed the Young Indians team and dignitaries to the event, commending their dedication to promoting road safety. She also highlighted the importance of integrating road safety education into the curriculum for future educators. As a symbol of commitment to road safety and environmental consciousness, she presented plant pots to the guests, marking the event’s green initiative.
The session concluded with a Road Safety Rally, flagged off by the dignitaries. The enthusiasm of young educators participating in the rally was inspiring, as they will play a pivotal role in educating society on the significance of road safety.
The event served as a powerful reminder that road safety is not solely the responsibility of authorities but of every individual on the road. Simple actions such as wearing seat belts, following traffic rules, avoiding distractions, and respecting speed limits can significantly reduce accidents and save lives.

Let’s pledge to make our roads safer and work collectively to prevent avoidable tragedies. Every life saved is a victory for society.